Madrid Masters 2022: Novak Djokovic in entry list, steps up French Open preparations

Reigning world number one Novak Djokovic of Serbia is seemingly set to participate in the 2022 Madrid Masters later this month. He has been featured in the entry list of the tournament, where he has won the title on three occasions. As a result, it will continue his preparations for his 2022 French Open title defence.

Djokovic has played just a tournament this year, the Dubai Open, as his participation in numerous competitions have been restricted due to his non-vaccinated status against COVID. Nevertheless, he looks set to play his second Masters event of the year, having missed out on the Indian Wells and Miami last month. Madrid will be the second clay-court Masters of the years after Monte Carlo, where Djokovic will participate from April 10.

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Besides the two, Djokovic also looks likely to participate in the Rome Masters, which immediately succeeds Madrid. At the same time, he will also play the Serbia Open (ATP 250 event) before defending his title at French Open. The Serbian will be desperate for a stellar outing in Paris as he looks to level Nadal in terms of most Grand Slam title wins (21), while Djokovic is one behind. Meanwhile, he is already training in the Monte Carlo country club ahead of the event next week.

Djokovic leads second-placed Daniil Medvedev by just ten points. Consequently, he needs to attain at least 840 ranking points by reaching the finals of each Masters and winning the Serbian Open to enter Roland Garros as the top seed. Meanwhile, defending champion Rafael Nadal of Spain will also be joining the Serbian in Madrid, while he will be missing Monte Carlo and Barcelona Open due to a stress fracture in his ribs that has ruled him out for six weeks.